Commonwealth Games: New Australian Rugby sevens coach Geraint John excited for Glasgow exposure

Newly appointed Australian Rugby sevens Geraint John is excited for his first tournament in the position as he prepares to take the team to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games.

John, 51, was announced as Michael O'Connor's replacement in May, allowing him only four weeks with the squad before competition in Glasgow, but he says the quick turnaround could be to his and the team's benefit.

"I'm looking forward to being able to see the players, and see the players in competition mode," John said

"Hopefully it will work as a good introduction to the program, as there's no real time to think. It's just straight into working with the players."

John says he has observed the Australian team from afar in the years prior to taking the job, and has been impressed with its potential and endeavour.

The boys were very quiet when I first met them, it was like schoolboys meeting their new headmaster.

Australian Rugby sevens coach Geraint John.

"Just look at the results," he said.

"Last year (they finished) fifth in the series, and they are always such a difficult side to play.

"They have so much enthusiasm, they work hard for each other, and they are always a hard team to beat. I want that mentality to remain."

Compared to sevens juggernaut New Zealand, this Australian squad is short on experience and international caps, and the Commonwealth Games kick off a busy schedule for Australia, but the ever-optimistic John believes these factors may play right into his team's hands.

"When you look at the experience of the team there isn't much there, and that can only be good for the future," he said.

"The more tournaments we play, they will get that experience and become better players.

"The boys were very quiet when I first met them, it was like schoolboys meeting their new headmaster. But I think they relaxed a bit more when they got on the field.

"I think there's some real quality players in the group, but we've got to keep learning and improving."

Although he insists the Glasgow Games are the current priority, John has one eye on Olympic qualification, with 2016 gold in Rio the end goal for the young and developing squad.

"When we get back, we have eight or nine weeks to prepare for the Gold Coast (IRB championship event), and the Gold Coast is our first Olympic qualifying tournament," he said.

"There's no better way to start an Olympic qualifier than at home in front of your home crowd, and I hope we can get plenty of supporters to support the team."